South Africa’s Democratic Alliance leader Steenhuisen to step down

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has announced he will not seek re-election when the party holds its leadership vote in April, a decision that could have implications for the stability of the coalition government.

Steenhuisen, who has led the DA since 2019 and currently serves as agriculture minister, was widely expected to run unopposed for the leadership. However, he stepped aside following internal disputes within the party and past controversies that had drawn criticism.

In announcing his decision, Steenhuisen said he would focus on managing the country’s severe foot and mouth disease outbreak, an issue for which he has faced significant criticism as the minister responsible for agriculture.

The announcement comes nearly two years after Steenhuisen played a central role in steering the DA into a historic coalition government with the African National Congress. The coalition was formed after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, forcing it to seek partners to govern.

Despite periodic tensions between the two parties, Steenhuisen and President Cyril Ramaphosa have often projected unity in public. The two leaders appeared together during a meeting with former US President Donald Trump, signalling cooperation at the highest levels of the coalition.

Steenhuisen’s departure raises questions about the future direction of the DA, the country’s largest opposition party and a key partner in the governing coalition. A leadership contest could expose divisions within the party at a time when the coalition government faces pressure on multiple fronts.

No candidates have yet formally declared for the DA leadership. However, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill Lewis has been widely mentioned in political circles as a potential successor. Hill Lewis has built a profile as the leader of the country’s most prominent DA-governed city and is seen by some as a candidate who could unite different factions of the party.

The DA is expected to hold its federal congress in April, where the new leader will be elected.

SOURCE: AP